Self-locking tie cords and systems, and related methods of use

ABSTRACT

One variation of a self-locking tie cord comprises a) a linear series of a plurality of nodules coupled together by a connective stem; b) a planar lock coupled to one end of the connective stem and comprising a valve configured to allow the nodules to pass through the planar lock in only a first direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock; and c) an unlocking mechanism disposed within the planar lock and configured to unlock the valve when activated, such that the nodules are allowed to pass through the planar lock in both the first direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock and a second direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock and opposite to the first direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to the field of ties and tie cords.More specifically, the invention discloses new and useful self-lockingtie cords and self-locking tie cord systems, and related methods of use.

BACKGROUND

Many different types of ties and tie cords have been developed for manydifferent applications. For example, Velcro cable ties have madeorganizing pesky electronic cables simple; twist ties (e.g., a metalwire encased in a thin strip of paper or plastic) have made sealing andresealing bags easier than tying knots; and zip ties have been appliedto innumerable purposes, with versatility rivaling that of duct tape.Few of these ties and tie cords, however, have been designed anddeveloped for use on human beings, and even fewer have been designed anddeveloped for pleasure. Current implements for pleasurable detainmentare elaborate and designed for specific, limited applications (e.g.,harnesses), versatile but labor intensive (e.g., standard ropes), oruncomfortable and intimidating (e.g., handcuffs).

SUMMARY

While it will be understood that the apparatuses and systems of thepresent invention may be useful for many different applications and inmany different environments, disclosed herein are self-locking tie cordsand self-locking tie cord systems designed and developed for thepleasurable detainment of human beings.

In one aspect, disclosed herein is a self-locking tie cord comprising:a) a linear series of a plurality of nodules coupled together by aconnective stem; b) a planar lock coupled to one end of the connectivestem and comprising a valve configured to allow the nodules to passthrough the planar lock in only a first direction orthogonal to theplane of the planar lock; and c) an unlocking mechanism disposed withinthe planar lock and configured to unlock the valve when activated, suchthat the nodules are allowed to pass through the planar lock in both thefirst direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock and a seconddirection orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock and opposite to thefirst direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock. In someembodiments, the nodules comprise a circular cross section orthogonal tothe central axis of the connective stem. In some embodiments, the planarlock comprises a circular opening along the plane of the planar lock. Insome embodiments, the nodules are geometrically identical and thecircular opening of the planar lock comprises a diameter larger than thecircular cross section of the nodules. In some embodiments, the valve isdisposed within the circular opening of the planar lock. In someembodiments, the nodules are spherical. In some embodiments, the nodulesare disks. In some embodiments, the nodules are rings. In someembodiments, the connective stem is flexible in only one direction. Insome embodiments, the connective stem is flexible in all directions. Insome embodiments, the connective stem is a string. In some embodiments,the connective stem is a tube. In some embodiments, the tube comprises aflexible material. In some embodiments, the connective stem comprises asemi-flexible material, such that the shape of the connective stem maybe readily reformed but maintains itself at rest. In some embodiments,the unlocking mechanism is manually activated. In some embodiments, theunlocking mechanism is digitally activated. In some embodiments, theplanar lock further comprises a receptacle configured to receive anunlocking key configured to activate the unlocking mechanism whenreceived by the receptacle. In some embodiments, the self-locking tiecord further comprises a drawstring or a pull tab coupled to the end ofthe connective stem opposite the planar lock.

In another aspect, disclosed herein is a self-locking tie cord systemcomprising: a) a linear series of a plurality of nodules coupledtogether by a connective stem; b) a planar lock coupled to one end ofthe connective stem and comprising a valve configured to allow thenodules to pass through the planar lock in only a first directionorthogonal to the plane of the planar lock; c) an unlocking mechanismdisposed within the planar lock and configured to unlock the valve whenactivated, such that the nodules are allowed to pass through the planarlock in both the first direction orthogonal to the plane of the planarlock and a second direction orthogonal to the plane of the planar lockand opposite to the first direction orthogonal to the plane of theplanar lock; and d) an unlocking key configured to activate theunlocking mechanism. In some embodiments, the unlocking key is disposedwithin a ring configured to be worn on a finger. In some embodiments,the planar lock further comprises a receptacle configured to receive theunlocking key. In some embodiments, the unlocking key is configured toactivate the unlocking mechanism when joined with the receptacle. Insome embodiments, the unlocking key comprises a wireless signal and thereceptacle is configured to receive the wireless signal. In someembodiments, the wireless signal is a Bluetooth signal. In someembodiments, the nodules have a circular cross section orthogonal to thecentral axis of them connective stem. In some embodiments, the planarlock comprises a circular opening along the plane of the planar lock. Insome embodiments, the nodules are geometrically identical and thecircular opening of the planar lock comprises a diameter larger than thecircular cross section of the nodules. In some embodiments, the valve isdisposed within the circular opening of the planar lock. In someembodiments, the nodules are spherical. In some embodiments, the nodulesare disks. In some embodiments, the nodules are rings. In someembodiments, the connective stem is flexible only in a single direction.In some embodiments, the connective stem is flexible in all directions.In some embodiments, the connective stem is a string. In someembodiments, the connective stem is a tube. In some embodiments, thetube comprises a flexible material. In some embodiments, the connectivestem comprises a semi-flexible material, such that the shape of theconnective stem may be readily reformed but maintains itself at rest. Insome embodiments, the unlocking mechanism is manually activated. In someembodiments, the unlocking mechanism is digitally activated. In someembodiments, the system further comprises a drawstring or a pull tabcoupled to the end of the connective stem opposite the planar lock.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity inthe appended claims. A better understanding of the features andadvantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to thefollowing detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments,in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and theaccompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a self-locking tie cord;

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a self-locking tie cordsystem;

FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a self-locking tied cord;and

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a self-locking tie cordsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Numerous embodiments of the invention will now be described in detailwith reference to the accompanying figures. The following description ofthe embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the inventionto these embodiments but rather to enable a person skilled in the art tomake and use this invention. Variations, configurations,implementations, and applications described herein are optional and notexclusive to the variations, configurations, implementations, andapplications that they describe. The invention described herein caninclude any and all permutations of these variations, configurations,implementations, and applications.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will beapparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can bepracticed without these specific details.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”or “some embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment(s) isincluded in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances ofthe phrase “in one embodiment” or “in some embodiments” in variousplaces in this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame embodiment(s), nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutuallyexclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are describedwhich may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly,various requirements are described which may be requirements for someembodiments but no other embodiments.

Self-Locking Tie Cord

As mentioned above, disclosed herein are self-locking tie cords andself-locking tie cord systems designed and developed for the pleasurabledetainment of human beings. FIGS. 1A & 1B illustrate an exemplaryembodiment of a self-locking tie cord. In the example illustrated inFIG. 1A, the self-locking tie cord 100 is in an unlocked position (i.e.,the connective stem of the self-locking tie cord has not been pulledthrough the lock of the self-locking tie cord, as will be described ingreater detail below). In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, aself-locking tie cord 100 includes a plurality of nodules 101 that arecoupled together by a connective stem 102. In some embodiments, asillustrated in FIG. 1A, the plurality of nodules 101 are coupledtogether by the connective stem 102 in a linear series. In someembodiments, the nodules 101 are geometrically identical. In general, aself-locking tie cord 100 may include any number of nodules 101, and theconnective stem 102 may be any length. In some embodiments, the nodules101 are evenly spaced along the connective stem 102. In someembodiments, the nodules 101 are fixed in their positions along theconnective stem 102. Generally, the longer the connective stem 102 of aself-locking tie cord 100 is, the more nodules 101 that the self-lockingtie cord 100 will include. Furthermore, the longer the connective stem102 of a self-locking tie cord 100 is, the greater the cross-sectionalarea 108 that the self-locking tie cord 100 will be able to tie around,as illustrated in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a self-locking tie cordin a locked position. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A &1B, the self-locking tied cord 100 includes a lock 103 that can be usedto put the self-locking tie cord 100 into a locked position. In someembodiments, the lock 103 is coupled to one end of the connective stem102 of the self-locking tie cord 100. In some embodiments, the lock 103is a planar lock. A planar lock is a lock that, when locked, has aplanar opening 109 through which nodules 101 may pass in only onedirection orthogonal to the plane 107 of the planar opening 109. In someembodiments, the planar lock allows nodules 101 to pass through theplanar opening 109 in only one direction by employing a valve 104 (e.g.,a one-way valve) that is included in the planar opening 109, asillustrated in FIG. 1A. As illustrated by FIG. 1B, when the lock 103 isa planar lock coupled to one end of the connective stem 102 of theself-locking tie cord 100, and one or more nodules 101 coupled togetherby the connective stem 102 are passed through the planar lock, across-sectional area 108 is enclosed by the self-locking tie cord 100.Because the planar lock allows the nodules 101 to pass through the lock103 in only one direction, until the nodules 101 are allowed to passback through the lock 103 (e.g., when the lock 103 is unlocked, asdescribed below), the cross-sectional area 108 enclosed by theself-locking tie cord 100 cannot be released, and can only be tightened(i.e., by feeding more nodules 101 through the lock 103). Thus, as soonas a single nodule 101 of a self-locking tie cord 100 is passed throughthe planar lock, the self-locking tie cord 100 is effectively locked. Inthis way, the self-locking tie cord 100 can be used to bind togetheranything placed within the cross-sectional area 108.

In some embodiments, the lock 103 includes an unlocking mechanism thatcan be activated to unlock the self-locking tie cord 100 when theself-locking tie cord 100 has been put into a locked position (e.g.,when the lock 103 is a planar lock coupled to one end of the connectivestem 102 and one or more nodules 101 coupled together in series by theconnective stem 102 are passed through the planar lock, as describedabove). For example, in some embodiments, the unlocking mechanism is alatch or a switch or a button that can be pressed, pulled, flipped, orotherwise undone to release the valve 104 included in the planar opening109 of a planar lock (as described above), such that the nodules 101 ofthe self-locking tie cord 100 are then allowed to pass through theplanar opening 109 in two directions: a first direction orthogonal tothe plane 107 of the planar opening 109 (e.g., a locking and tighteningdirection, in which passing the nodules 101 through the planar lockeffectively locks the self-locking tie cord 100 or contracts thecross-sectional area 108 enclosed by the self-locking tie cord 100) anda second direction orthogonal to the plane 107 of the planar opening 109and opposite to the first direction orthogonal to the plane 107 of theplanar opening 109 (e.g., a loosening and unlocking direction, in whichpassing the nodules 101 through the planar lock expands thecross-sectional area 108 or unlocks the self-locking tie cord 100). Insome embodiments, the unlocking mechanism is manually activated. In someembodiments, the unlocking mechanism is digitally activated. In someembodiments, the unlocking mechanism can be activated only when pairedor coupled with an unlocking key 106, as described below. In someembodiments, the lock 103 includes a receptacle 105 that can receive theunlocking key 106.

A self-locking tie cord 100 may be constructed in many different forms.In some embodiments, as in the example illustrated by FIGS. 1A & 1B, thenodules 101 of the self-locking tie cord 100 are disks or rings, and theconnective stem 102 that couples the nodules 101 together is a flexibletube. In some embodiments, as in the example illustrated by FIGS. 2A &2B, the nodules 201 are spherical, and the connective stem 202 thatcouples the nodules 201 together is a string. In both of thesenon-limiting examples, the nodules of both self-locking tie cords 100and 200 have a circular cross section orthogonal to the central axis oftheir respective connective stems. Likewise, in both of thesenon-limiting examples, a planar lock is coupled to one end of theconnective stems of both of self-locking tie cords 100 and 200. Theplanar opening of the planar lock is circular—to match the circularcross section of the nodules—with a diameter slightly larger than thatof the circular cross section of the nodules. Thus, while self-lockingtie cord 100 includes disk or ring shaped nodules 101 coupled togetherby a tubular connective stem 102 and self-locking tie cord 200 includesspherical nodules 201 coupled together by a string-like connective stem202, lock 103 and lock 203 work in the exact same way, by allowing thecircular cross sections of the nodules to pass through the planaropening of the planar lock in only one direction, until the unlockingmechanism is activated (as described above). In some embodiments, theconnective stem of a self-locking tie cord is flexible in only onedirection. In some embodiments, the connective stem of a self-lockingtie cord is flexible in all directions. In some embodiments, theconnective stem is semi-flexible (e.g., made of a semi-flexiblematerial), such that the shape of the connective stem may be readilyreformed but maintains itself at rest.

Self-Locking Tie Cord System

FIGS. 2A & 2B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a self-locking tiecord system. As mentioned above, FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplaryembodiment of a self-locking tie cord 200. As described above, in someembodiments, the self-locking tie cord 200 includes one or more nodules201 coupled together by a connective stem 202 and a lock 203. In someembodiments, the lock 203 is a planar lock that has a planar opening 209through which nodules 201 may pass in only one direction orthogonal tothe plane 207 of the planar opening 209 (as illustrated by FIG. 2B). Insome embodiments, the planar lock allows nodules 201 to pass through theplanar opening 209 in only one direction by employing a valve 204 (e.g.,a one-way valve) that is included in the planar opening 209. In someembodiments, the self-locking tie cord 200 includes a drawstring or apull tab 208 coupled to the end of the connective stem 202 opposite thelock 203 to assist a user of the self-locking tie cord 200 in pullingthe nodules 201 through the lock 203. In some embodiments, as describedabove, the lock 203 includes an unlocking mechanism that can beactivated to unlock the self-locking tie cord 200 when the self-lockingtie cord 200 has been put into a locked position (e.g., when the lock203 is a planar lock coupled to one end of the connective stem 202 andone or more nodules 201 coupled together in series by the connectivestem 202 are passed through the planar lock, as illustrated by FIG. 2B).In some embodiments, the unlocking mechanism can be activated only whenpaired or coupled with an unlocking key 206, as described below.

FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a self-locking tie cordsystem 210. In some embodiments, the self-locking tie cord system 210includes a self-locking tie cord 200 (as described above) and anunlocking key 206. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, theself-locking tie cord 200 includes an unlocking mechanism that can beactivated to unlock the self-locking tie cord 200 when the self-lockingtie cord 200 has been put into a locked position. For example, in someembodiments, the unlocking mechanism is a latch or a switch or a buttonthat can be pressed, pulled, flipped, or otherwise undone to release avalve 204 included in the planar opening 209 of a planar lock (asillustrated in FIG. 2A), such that the nodules 201 of the self-lockingtie cord 200 are then allowed to pass through the planar opening 209 intwo directions: a first direction orthogonal to the plane 207 of theplanar opening 209 (e.g., a locking and tightening direction, in whichpassing the nodules 201 through the planar lock locks the self-lockingtie cord 200 or contracts the cross-sectional area 208 enclosed by theself-locking tie cord 200) and a second direction orthogonal to theplane 207 of the planar opening 209 and opposite to the first directionorthogonal to the plane 207 of the planar opening 209 (e.g., a looseningand unlocking direction, in which passing the nodules 201 through theplanar lock expands the cross-sectional area 208 or unlocks theself-locking tie cord 200).

As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the unlocking mechanism can beactivated only when paired or coupled with an unlocking key 206. Forexample, in some embodiments, the lock 203 includes a receptacle 205that can receive the unlocking key 206. In some embodiments, theunlocking key 206 automatically activates the unlocking mechanism whenthe unlocking key 206 is received by the receptacle 205. For example, insome embodiments, the receptacle 205 is a keyhole in the side of thelock 203 and the unlocking key 206 is a physical key that can beinserted into the keyhole. In this example, the unlocking mechanism isspring-loaded latch inside of the lock 203 that is released when thephysical key is inserted into the keyhole. Or, for example, in someembodiments, the receptacle 205 is a wireless communication componentthat can receive wireless signals (e.g., Bluetooth signals) and theunlocking key 206 is a wireless signal. In this example, the unlockingmechanism is a dead bolt that is withdrawn when the wirelesscommunication component receives the wireless signal (e.g., the wirelesssignal is transmitted to the wireless communication component by anelectronic device, such as a mobile phone). In some embodiments, a userof the self-locking tie cord 200 can use the unlocking key 206 toactivate the unlocking mechanism after the unlocking key 206 is receivedby the receptacle 205. For example, in some embodiments, the receptacle205 is a keyhole and the unlocking key 206 is a physical key that can beinserted into the keyhole. In this example, the unlocking mechanism is adead bolt that is withdrawn when the physical key is inserted into thekeyhole and then turned in a counterclockwise direction. In someembodiments, when the unlocking key 206 is a physical key, the physicalkey is built into or otherwise coupled to a ring designed to be worn ona finger. However, the receptacle 205, the unlocking key 206, and theunlocking mechanism may take on any suitable form.

Applications of a Self-Locking Tie Cord or Self-Locking Tie Cord System

As mentioned above, disclosed herein are self-locking tie cords andself-locking tie cord systems designed and developed for the pleasurabledetainment of human beings. During the course of many erotic activities,for example, a person often desires the ability to detain themself oranother person for increased excitement or pleasure. As mentioned above,such detainment is often accomplished through the use of detainingimplements such as harnesses, ropes, or handcuffs. However, each ofthese detaining implements have meaningful limitations: harnesses areoften limited in their applications, and their use often requireslengthy and elaborate setups; ropes are more versatile but laborintensive, and their use often requires specific knot-tying knowledgeand skill; and handcuffs are fast and effective but can often beuncomfortable or intimidating, and the cross-sectional area that theyare capable of binding together is limited.

In contrast, the self-locking tie cords and self-locking tie cordsystems described herein can be versatile, simple, quick, andcomfortable all at once. For example, by placing both of a person'swrists inside of the cross-sectional area 108 and then pulling theconnective stem 102 through the lock 103 (as illustrated in FIG. 1B),the person's hands and arms can be bound together by the self-lockingtie cord 100 in one quick and simple motion. Such an application wouldbe faster and simpler than tying a knot around the person's wrists witha rope. In another example, by placing both 1) a person's wrist and 2) abedpost inside of the cross-sectional area 108 and then pulling theconnective stem 102 through the lock 103 (as illustrated in FIG. 1B),the person's arm can be bound to the bedpost by the self-locking tiecord 100 in one quick and simple motion. Such an application would befaster and simpler than handcuffing the person's wrist first and thenhandcuffing the bedpost second. Furthermore, in this example, becausethe connective stem 102 is a flexible tube, the self-locking tie cord100 would be more comfortable on the person's wrist than the sharpmetallic edges of a pair of handcuffs. Further still, in this example,an unlocking key 106 included in the self-locking tie cord system 110can be used similarly to a handcuff key to simulate and preservedynamics of power and control. In yet another example, four self-lockingtie cords could be used to bind each of a person's four principlemembers (i.e., their arms and legs) to four separate bedposts. Such anapplication would be faster and more versatile than the setup and use ofbed restraint harnesses. However, a self-locking tie cord orself-locking tie cord system can be applied in any suitable way and inany suitable environment.

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detaileddescription and from the figures and claims, modifications and changescan be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing fromthe scope of this invention as disclosed here in the presentapplication. It will be appreciated that, although the methods,processes, and functions of the present application have been recited ina particular series of steps, the individual steps of the methods,processes, and functions may be performed in any order, in anycombination, or individually.

Embodiments are described at least in part herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, systems, andcomputer program products and data structures according to embodimentsof the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of theillustrations, and combinations of blocks, can be implemented bycomputer program instructions. These computer program instructions maybe provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, specialpurpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus toproduce a machine such that the instructions, which execute via theprocessor of the computer or other programmable data processingapparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe block or blocks.

The aforementioned computer program instructions may also be stored in acomputer-readable memory that can direct a computer or otherprogrammable data processing apparatus to function in a particularmanner such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memoryproduce an article of manufacture including instruction means whichimplement the function/act specified in the block or blocks. Thecomputer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer orother programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series ofoperational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmableapparatus, to produce a computer implemented process such that, theinstructions which execute on the computer or other programmableapparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified inthe block or blocks.

In general, the word “module” as used herein, refers to logic embodiedin hardware or firmware, or to a collection of software instructions,written in a programming language, such as, Java, C, etc. One or moresoftware instructions in the unit may be embedded in firmware. Themodules described herein may be implemented as either software and/orhardware modules and may be stored in any type of non-transitorycomputer-readable medium or other non-transitory storage elements. Somenon-limiting examples of non-transitory computer-readable media includeCDs, DVDs, BLU-RAY, flash memory, and hard disk drives.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the samemeaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art towhich this invention belongs. As used in this specification and theappended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any referenceto “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwisestated.

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A self-locking tie cord comprising: a. a linearseries of a plurality of nodules coupled together by a connective stem,wherein the nodules comprise a circular cross section orthogonal to theconnective stem; b. a lock, coupled to one end of the connective stem,comprising a circular opening through which the connective stem may passand configured to put the self-locking tie cord in a locked positionwhen the connective stem is passed through; and c. an unlockingmechanism configured to unlock the self-locking tie cord when theself-locking tie cord is in the locked position, such that the nodulesare allowed to pass through the lock in both a first directionorthogonal to the circular opening of the lock and a second directionorthogonal to the circular opening of the lock and opposite to the firstdirection orthogonal to the circular opening of the lock.
 22. Theself-locking tie cord of claim 21, wherein the nodules are geometricallyidentical.
 23. The self-locking tie cord of claim 21, wherein thenodules are spherical.
 24. The self-locking tie cord of claim 21,wherein the nodules are disks or rings.
 25. The self-locking tie cord ofclaim 21, wherein the connective stem is flexible in all directions. 26.The self-locking tie cord of claim 21, wherein the connective stem is astring.
 27. The self-locking tie cord of claim 21, wherein theconnective stem is a tube.
 28. The self-locking tie cord of claim 21,wherein the connective stem comprises a semi-flexible material, suchthat the shape of the connective stem may be readily reformed butmaintains itself at rest.
 29. The self-locking tie cord of claim 21,wherein the unlocking mechanism is manually activated.
 30. Theself-locking tie cord of claim 29, wherein the unlocking mechanism isactivated by pulling on the lock.
 31. The self-locking tie cord of claim29, wherein the unlocking mechanism is activated by pressing on thelock.
 32. The self-locking tie cord of claim 21, wherein the unlockingmechanism is digitally activated.
 33. The self-locking tie cord of claim21, wherein the lock further comprises a receptacle configured toreceive an unlocking key configured to activate the unlocking mechanismwhen received by the receptacle.
 34. The self-locking tie cord of claim21, further comprising a drawstring or a pull tab coupled to the end ofthe connective stem opposite the lock.
 35. A self-locking tie cordsystem, the system comprising: a. a linear series of a plurality ofnodules coupled together by a connective stem; b. a planar lock coupledto one end of the connective stem and comprising a valve configured toallow the nodules to pass through the planar lock in only a firstdirection orthogonal to the plane of the planar lock; c. an unlockingmechanism disposed within the planar lock and configured to unlock thevalve when activated, such that the nodules are allowed to pass throughthe planar lock in both the first direction orthogonal to the plane ofthe planar lock and a second direction orthogonal to the plane of theplanar lock and opposite to the first direction orthogonal to the planeof the planar lock; and d. an unlocking key configured to activate theunlocking mechanism.
 36. The self-locking tie cord of claim 35, whereinthe unlocking key is disposed within a ring configured to be worn on afinger.
 37. The self-locking tie cord of claim 35, wherein the planarlock further comprises a receptacle configured to receive the unlockingkey.
 38. The self-locking tie cord of claim 37, wherein the unlockingkey is configured to activate the unlocking mechanism when joined withthe receptacle.
 39. The self-locking tie cord of claim 37, wherein thereceptacle is a wireless communication component and the unlocking keyis a wireless signal.
 40. The self-locking tie cord of claim 35, whereinthe nodules have a circular cross section orthogonal to the central axisof the connective stem.